Alon Ben-Meir's Blog

THE CHILDREN OF OCCUPATION

abenmeir — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 14:35:11 +0000

Alon Ben-Meir, December 23, 2005

As I write my final article for the year, I thought it would be appropriate to devote it to the Palestinian children who have grown up under the occupation without ever experiencing the innocence and beauty of childhood. By the time they reach their teens, these children see the world through special glasses--from their perspective, the world is indifferent, harsh, and cruel; one that seems to have abandoned them, a confused world that offers no clarity, no resolution, and no escape. Robbed of their youth, they feel deprived, resentful, and filled with anxiety mixed with a constant nagging pain. But on the verge of 2006, the painful reality of their lives may be about to change, as the changing situation now offers hope that not only the souls of these young may be freed from the burden of occupation, but that Israelis too will free themselves from the shackles of occupiers, permitting Israel to regain the high moral ground.

Whereas the adult Palestinians see the occupation for what it is and struggle with it as the shifting conditions require, albeit with tremendous resistance and deep-seated hatred, their children are clueless about why they must endure the daily indignities and humiliation. And as adults we need to also ask: How does one erase the impression of occupation from the heart and mind of a child, and now a whole new generation of children, who have no memory of ever being free? Living under an occupation, in and of itself, creates different types of defensive mechanism. The enemy, even the most "benevolent", remains the enemy, to be suspected, feared, opposed, rejected, and repudiated. But when the conflict with the enemy is violent, when bloodshed is ever present, and fears of losing a father, a brother, a cousin, or a friend as often happens is a daily reality, occupation and resistance to occupation become a holy mission, often the sole preoccupation. In a conversation I had with Dr. El-Jabari, Chairman of the Board of Hebron University, he said: "The thing that has saddened me the most is that Palestinian children are thrust into adulthood without experiencing the simple innocent life of a child." After a pause he added: "Those very formative years are unfortunately shaped in an atmosphere of violence, fear, and a profound sense of insecurity. They live in anguish: pain and despair exude from their eyes.

Palestinian Center For Public Opinion - Poll No. 146

abenmeir — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 19:05:47 +0000

Due to the fact that the Palestinian parliamentary elections will be held on January 25, 2006, I thought you might find the following poll rather interesting. Dr. Nabil Kukali is the Head of the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion. He has provided most relevant, credible and useful insight into the Palestinian sentiments. It is with pleasure that I share with you his most recent Palestinian poll.

Poll No. 146 Date: 13 December 2005

Dear Madam,

Dear Sir,

The target of this poll, which covers a big sample of (1873) persons living in the Palestinian territories, is to draw the attention of the world to the suffering of the Palestinian people at the economic level, the deterioration of their living conditions and the desperate need for an international support in order to establish an economic basis and provide a honorable life, in which the Palestinian people can live in peace and security as the other nations in the region do.

Please feel quite free to contact us immediately if you have any questions or inquiry on any issue of this poll.

With our good wishes and best regards,

Dr. Nabil Kukali

Director of PCPO

Website: www.pcpo.ps

With the opening of the International Conference in London under the auspices of the United Kingdom and Norway for the Reconstruction of Gaza Strip,

(73.4%) of the Palestinian people are at present worried about the livelihood of their families.

(53.3%) evaluated their economic condition as "bad".

(62.6%) are optimistic about the improvement of their economic condition after the upcoming national elections.

(60.1%) support to various degrees the continuation of the calm period with the Israelis.

Beit Sahour: Information Section

For the latest public opinion poll conducted by Dr. Nabil Kukali during the period October 15^th to November 8^th, 2005 and published by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO), a random sample of (1873) Palestinian adults over 18 years, representing all demographic specimen and strata in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip were face-to-face interviewed. The poll results revealed that (73.4%) of the Palestinian people are at present worried about the livelihood of their families. Dr. Nabil Kukali, the PCPO Director, said that the most important finding the poll has shown is that the Palestinian people are optimistic about the improvement of their economic conditions after the upcoming PLC elections. The rate of optimists was (62.6%), (64.1%) in Gaza Strip and (61.8%) in the West Bank. More than half of the Palestinian people, Dr. Kukali added, evaluated their economic condition as "bad"; (58.5%) are from Gaza and (50.2%) from the West Bank.

Creation of an economic basis

Further commented Dr. Kukali his findings saying that the solid basis for achieving peace is by rooting and spreading peace through the coming years, and that can only be achieved by creating, first and foremost, an economic basis. The provision of a normal life for the people and the improvement of their living and economic standard is a basic issue to end anarchy and lawlessness and to enhance stability, Dr. Kukali said. The absence of the comprehensive and just peace, and the security, will never lead to the economic prosperity in the region, Dr. Kukali said.

The Londoner International Conference

Dr. Kukali trusts that the International Conference held now in London under the auspices of the United Kingdom and Norway and the attendance of representatives of the Quadrarian Committee consisting of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations, as well as deputies of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Canada, Japan, the Palestinian Authority, Saudi-Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Israel, will achieve its objective. This covers the reconstruction of Gaza Strip and Israel to make a commitment to the free movement of the Palestinians between Gaza Strip and the West Bank through daily caravans, to permit the entry of laborers to work inside Israel according to the signed agreements and to lift up the restrictions imposed on the Palestinians which badly affected their life. Add thereto the issue of the border crossing "Karni" between the Eastern Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the future of Gaza International Airport and the granting of financial support to the Palestinians.

Dr. Kukali is of the opinion that there is a desperate need for the assistance of the Palestinian people, because the poll findings reveal that the Palestinian Authority alone is not in the position neither to improve the quality of life for the Palestinians nor to create job opportunities for them. Therefore, Dr. Kukali commented, all the international efforts must work together in order to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people. The main concern of the Palestinian citizen at present, he said, is the safety and security, followed by the job and money, and thereafter the future and health.

The Calm and the Economy

The overwhelming majority of the respondents, specifically (60.1 %), support the renewal of the calm period with Israel, which will expire by the end of this current year, whilst (33.2%) are opposing the renewal and (6.7%) didn't decide yet, Dr. Kukali said. The renewal of the ceasefire, the halt of the lawlessness and the imposition of the law sovereignty on the ground will have a positive impact on the Palestinian economy and its growth, Dr. Kukali commented.

Effect of the Israeli withdrawal on the economy

Responding to the question: "Is there, you think, a substantial improvement to your life and the life of your family since the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip on August 15^th, 2005?", (6.8%) answered "yes, at a high rate", (34.5%) "yes, but to a certain degree", (32.9%) said "a slight improvement", (24.4%) said "no improvement at all", whilst only (1.4%) didn't make up their mind yet.

The Economic Conditions

A substantial majority (53.3%) of the Palestinian people evaluated the general economic condition in their territories as "bad ", whilst (39.5%) evaluated it as "middle" and only (6.0%) gave it the grading "good", whilst only (1.2%) declined to answer.

The Concern about the livelihood

Responding to the question: "Up to which extent are you worried now about the livelihood of your family?", (46.8%) answered "worried", (26.5%) are "too much worried", ( 19.3%) are "not worried to that extent", whilst (5.3%) said "not worried at all", and (2.1%) "I don't know".

Failure of the PA to create job opportunities

A great majority (64.4%) agreed to the statement that the PA is incapable of creating job opportunities to the workers, who were working in Israel. Only (26.1%) said it is capable, and (9.5%) refused to respond.

The Economic Program

Responding to the question: "Do you think that Mr. Mahmoud Abbas has an economic program to encounter the present crisis "?, (39.7%) affirmed that, and (48.6%) said "no", whilst (11.7%) answered "I don't know".

The Upcoming Legislative Council

A great majority (62.6%) of the respondents said they are optimistic that the upcoming legislative council will achieve economic accomplishments in the Palestinian territories in the near future, whilst (29.1%) said they are pessimistic, and (8.3%) declined to answer.

The Quality of Life

Regarding the question: "Do you think that the PA leadership is at present committed to its obligation to improve the quality of life for the Palestinians "?, (52.7%) said "no, not quite enough", (37.5%) said "yes, quite enough", whilst (9.8%) said "I don't know yet", or otherwise.

Also,(44.3%) of the Palestinian society is of the opinion that the Palestinian Authority is not qualified to improve the quality of life for the Palestinians in the near future, whilst (44.8%) say that it's qualified, and (10.9%) were reluctant to answer.

Joint Projects

Responding to the question:" Up to which extent do you agree or disagree to the following statement: "The mutual cooperation and the joint projects between all the nations in the region, including Israelis and Palestinians, in fields like water, health, environment, tourism and others must start as soon as possible even before reaching final peace agreements?", (22.3%) answered "strongly agree", (48.7%) "somewhat agree", (15.7%) "somewhat disagree", (10.2%) "strongly disagree" and (3.1%) answered "I don't know".

And with regard to the question: "In the light of the present situation and the background of not reaching yet an agreement about the lasting peace, do you support or object to an open market and joint economic projects between Israel and the Palestinians ?", (19.0%) answered "strongly support", (45.1%) "somewhat support", (21.7%) "somewhat oppose", (11.4%) "strongly oppose", and (2.8%) answered "I don't know".

The Concern of the Citizen

With respect to the question: "What is your main concern at present?,

(23.0%) said "job / money", (39.8%) answered "the security", (15.0%)

"the health", and (22.2%) said "the future".

Content with Life

To which degree are you content with your life in general ?

BUT-FOR SELF-PRESERVATION

abenmeir — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 18:13:54 +0000

Alon Ben-Meir—December 12, 2005

I have just returned from a week-long trip to Israel and Palestine during which I met with many Israeli and Palestinian officials, intellectuals, and ordinary people. This article is the second in a series of articles written with the hope of shedding some new light on many conflicting issues at a time when revolutionary changes are sweeping the political landscape in both societies.

With the creation of a new political entity, the Kadima Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Sharon, Israel may have just entered a revolutionary political era that will transform the country’s political landscape as far as the eye can see. Kadima, it is hoped, will answer the longing of an overwhelming majority of Israelis for an agreement that will bring lasting peace. Kadima distinguishes itself from all previous centrist parties in two critical ways: It has Sharon’s strong leadership and tested capability as well as a clear political platform. It is entirely possible that the political earthquake produced by its creation may eventually lead to an accord with the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.

Kadima is the product of Israelis finally coming to terms with the harsh demographic reality that Likud and many other right-of-center parties have long denied. Likud, as an amalgam of revisionist Zionist parties, has clung to its principle ideology of greater Israel and failed to recognize the shift of demographic balance in favor of the Palestinians, which makes any continued occupation simply unsustainable. Largely because of this shift, the momentum for a one-state solution is intensifying, with many Palestinians beginning to see it as their only way to regain all of Palestine by democratic means, a Palestine that would inevitably be governed by a Palestinian majority. As Asher Susser, the Director of the Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, pointed out to me during my recent trip to Israel, “The Palestinians do not have the same sense of urgency; they realize Israel is vulnerable and they see the numbers.

Dr. Nabil Kukali's Latest Palestinian Poll

abenmeir — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 16:56:35 +0000

This poll aims at probing the affinities, directions and inclinations of the Palestinian people for the continuation of the peace process with Israel, their attitude towards the conclusion of the accord for opening of Rafah border crossing in the presence of US Secretary of State, Mrs. Condoleezza Rice and the representatives of the European Community, the elections of the Palestinian Legislative Council scheduled January 2006, the leaderships of the Palestinian parties, the popularity of the political parties and factions and the opinion of the Palestinians about the fairness and impartiality of the Central Elections Committee. This poll has been fully financed by PCPO own resources.

Please feel quite free to contact us immediately if you have any questions or inquiry on any issue of this poll.

With our good wishes and best regards,

Dr. Nabil Kukali

Director of PCPO

In the latest public opinion poll prepared by

Dr. Nabil Kukali and published by PCPO:

* A great majority (59.5%) of the Palestinians support the return to the negotiation table with the Israelis.

* For the first time a fall in the popularity of Hamas by (4.4 %) and Fateh maintains its rate of popularity.

* A great majority (54.5%) of the Palestinians support Rafah border crossing accord.

* An overwhelming majority (76.1%) of the respondents are going to participate in voting for the PLC-elections scheduled January 25^th, 2006.

* A good majority (51.7%) of the Palestinians believe that the Central Elections Committee supervising the PLC-elections is fair and impartial

*A majority (52.6%) of the Palestinians support at various degrees the emergence of a third political stream on the Palestinian ground.

* A plurality (61.6%) of the participants support the stand of the national powers and leftists on one united list for running the coming PLC-

elections.

(33.7%) believe that Mr. Marwan Bargouthi is the most appropriate person for leading Fateh list to the PLC-elections.

(37.1%) believe that Dr. Mahmoud Azzahar is the most appropriate person for leading Hamas list to the PLC-elections.

(28.8%) believe that Dr. Mustafa Bargouthi is the most appropriate person for leading the leftists' list to the PLC-elections.

(18.3%) believe that the determination of making decisions is the most important quality for choosing a candidate in the coming PLC- elections.

From Majd Kokaly – Information Section

For the latest poll prepared by Dr. Nabil Kukali, and published by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO) during the period November 16 – 21, 2005, a random sample of (830) Palestinian adults from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip has been face to face interviewed. The poll result has revealed that (59.5%) of the Palestinians support the resumption of negotiations with the Israelis as to come to the Final Settlement.

Dr. Nabil Kukali, Director of PCPO, said that the most important thing this poll has shown is that the majority of the Palestinians supports the return to the negotiations of the final settlement with the Israelis and that the rate now by far surpasses that of the Israelis, namely by (16.8%), according to a poll prepared by Teleseker and published by Maariv newspaper. The said Israeli poll has specifically unfolded that (43%) of the Israelis support the return to Oslo path and the negotiations with the Palestinians for reaching a final solution, whereas (53 %) oppose that, Teleseker said.

Dr. Kukali added that the majority of the Palestinians (54.5 %) supports the accord concluded with the Israelis regarding the opening of Rafah border crossing, and which has been attended by the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Condollessa Rice, and representatives of the European Community. One can notice from the results of this poll that the accord found with (64.8%) a more positive resonance among the population of the Gaza Strip in comparison with that of the West Bank (48.9%).

Dr. Kukali commented the poll results saying that a noticeable fall of (4.4%) in the popularity of Hamas has been recorded, compared with a previous poll conducted on 3/8/2005, and that this fall is the first of its nature since 1997, where from that date onwards the support to Hamas was increasing rapidly. On the other hand maintained Fateh Movement its rate of popular support.

The poll results have furthermore revealed that Mr. Marwan Bargouthi is the most appropriate person for leading Fateh candidates' list to the coming PLC-elections, polling (33.7%) in the West Bank (37.6%) and in Gaza Strip (26.7%), followed in the 2. position by Mr. Mohammed Dahlan, who scored a total of (18.1%) in the West Bank (12.3%) and in Gaza Strip (28.5%), and in the 3. position Dr. Saeb Erekat, who attained (5.4%) in the West Bank (6.5%) and in Gaza Strip (3.2%).

Dr. Kukali further said that Dr. Mahmoud Azzahar is polled to be the most appropriate man for leading Hamas candidates' list to the coming PLC-elections scoring (37.1%) in the West Bank (37.3%) and in Gaza Strip (36.6%). In the 2. position ranked Mr. Hassan Youssif with (17.5%) in the West Bank (25.3%) and in Gaza Strip (3.8%), and in the 3. position Mr. Ismael Haniyyeh, who obtained (13.7%) in the West Bank (5.4%) and in Gaza (28.3%).

As to the leadership of the leftists' movement, Dr. Mustafa Bargouthi is ranking with (28.8%) in the West Bank (28.7%) and (29.1%) in Gaza Strip in the first position, followed by Mr. Ahmed Sa'adat in the second position with (16.1%) in the West Bank (20.7%) and (8.4%) in Gaza Strip, and Mr. Tayseer Khaled with (9.6%) in the West Bank (10.3%) and (8.4%) in Gaza Strip.

in the third position. Regarding the Independents list, the poll results have shown that no public consensus has been formed yet on the leading candidates, since a high rate has no idea yet.

“All interviews took place on the basis of random choices of respondent’s homes, i.e. face to face

Abbas's Fateful Hour

abenmeir — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 16:49:26 +0000

Alon Ben-Meir—December 5, 2005

I have just returned from a week-long trip to Israel and Palestine during which I met with many Israeli and Palestinian officials, intellectuals, and ordinary people. This article is the first in a series of articles written with the hope of shedding some new light on many conflicting issues at a time when revolutionary changes are sweeping the political landscape in both societies.

Perhaps more than at any other time in his decades-long struggle for the cause of his people, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas faces a fateful and historic hour. The question is whether he will rise to the occasion, seize the moment, and lift his people up or allow this – perhaps his last – chance for peace to slip away. To achieve his ultimate goal of a two-state solution, Mr. Abbas must develop his domestic socioeconomic agenda, earnestly tackling the multiple problems that have plagued the Palestinian society.
The second Intifadah, which destroyed much of Palestinian economy, security, and infrastructure, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, have dramatically changed the political dynamic between the two societies. Israel has resigned itself to taking increasingly unilateral steps, including the building of a fence designed to enhance its national security and create the conditions for two states. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders continue to push for a comprehensive solution, virtually freezing economic developments and sorely neglecting the welfare of the Palestinian people. Mr. Abbas must now take a fresh look at the confluence of these events demanding his immediate attention. He must produce a sound and resolute political agenda upon which to base his platform for the January 25th Palestinian Legislative Council Elections. Mr. Abbas must gather the willpower since failure will consign him to political oblivion regarding the Palestinian national cause.

Mr. Abbas need not look farther than a few miles to the West to witness his counterpart Prime Minister Sharon’s revolutionary political transformation, necessitated by the changing sociopolitical conditions for both Israelis and Palestinians. In Sharon we have a leader who has invested every hour of his political career to fight for greater Israel, earning him the title of architect of the settlement policy. Nevertheless, as a prime minister he realized that occupation was not demographically sustainable. He subsequently abandoned his decades-long affiliation with the Likud party, though he helped to build it, because the party was now out of touch with reality.

Considering the existing volatile political atmosphere and risks to his own life, Mr. Abbas’s task will take similar courage. Whether we are born great or greatness is thrust upon us, history shows that men like Mr. Abbas do rise to the occasion. He may have that instinct and sense of historic responsibility since his actions can offer hope to his people, paving the way to rebuilding the Palestinian body and spirit. Whereas Mr. Abbas may wish to promote a set of demands from Israel leading to a two-state solution, professor Sari Nuseibah, President of al Quds University, believes that Mr. Abbas should make his domestic agenda the focus of the upcoming elections. Palestinian people want to see immediate improvement in their daily lives, not wait another 10 years until a permanent solution is achieved. To that end there are five issues on which Mr. Abbas must concentrate:

First, Mr. Abbas must heed the call of the young leaders that have grown yet languished under Israeli occupation. They want change; they want an end to cronyism, corruption, and disdain for the people’s welfare. Every effort must be made to ensure that the political primaries are held without further intimidation, threats, or violence. The so-called young guard must be given equal chance to compete freely and fairly regardless of their political leanings. Mr. Abbas must provide the security needed to insure that the primaries in the remaining days are held in an orderly fashion so that complaints and contentions about the elections will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Second, Mr. Abbas must not shirk the responsibility to enforce the law. This is what every Palestinian wants. They are tired of lawlessness, living on edge, and seeking protection anywhere except from the security personnel of the Authority. This, obviously, cannot be changed in seven weeks, but Mr. Abbas must assert his authority, signaling to the Palestinians how he will conduct himself following the national elections. He can select two manageable areas – one in the West Bank and another in Gaza – and declare those areas weapons-free, requiring all of their residents to surrender their arms in return for monetary compensation. He must then criminalize the open or hidden carrying of firearms in the street. Once fully enforced in these two areas, he can expand the ban on firearms to other areas, enforcing the law with no exception.

Third, Mr. Abbas must immediately begin labor intensive development projects such as housing, especially in Gaza. Not only is there a desperate need for housing among tens of thousands of families living in squalor in refugee camps, but such projects provide thousands of sorely needed jobs where the unemployment rate is as high as 50 percent. When I asked Oded Ben-Haim from Israel’s Foreign Ministry what he would advise Mr. Abbas to do, rather than disarming Hamas, to my surprise he said: “He should first and foremost focus on economic development which will provide the basis for civic calm.